I have the 8" rag die for the Go machine and use pre cut batting squares. A good size rag quilt can be made in just a few hours. If this is something you want to get into for pay it will be a good investment to buy the cutter and dies. All the quilters I know that do make quilts for customers use the Accuquilt die cut machines. One of the tricks is to sew the top, middle (if using) and back together all around then quilt however, then run through the die. All the snips are done. Keep the middle at least one inch smaller then the square. Then sew the squares together. The fast way is to overlap the squares so there is rags on front and back. Missouri Star sells the pre cut batting. The 6 1/2" size is perfect for the 8 inch rag die. To sit and snip each block by hand is misery and time wasted especially if you do it for customers.